Guidance on the selection, installation, maintenance and use of
steel wire ropes in vertical mine shafts

Introduction

The failure of a steel wire rope while in service is potentially
disastrous, particularly when being used as part of a winding
system transporting a large number of people in a vertical shaft.
Even when not transporting people, a rope failure gives rise to
significant risks to people working near the shaft. Any rope
failure could cause damage to winding equipment and the shaft
itself putting it out of action. Apart from giving rise to very
hazardous recovery operations, the loss of one means of egress
presents additional risk to everyone below ground.

Who should read this document

This guidance is aimed primarily at owners, managers, members of
the management structure and any other person who manufactures,
selects, installs, inspects, examines or maintains shaft ropes used
in vertical winding systems. Other non-mining employers who use
similar ropes may also find some of this guidance useful and the
HSC guidance on haulage ropes,1 for example, the parts on capping,
storage and handling of steel wire ropes.

This guidance deals mainly with the selection, installation and
maintenance of steel wire ropes used in vertical mine shafts. It is
split into an introductory section which gives a broad outline of
good practice; and four technical annexes covering winding, balance
and guide ropes as follows: